Cody Gakpo to Man City: £85m Deal Hinges on Liverpool Finding His Replacement

Manchester City are increasingly confident of completing a deal for Cody Gakpo, with the proposed transfer understood to be worth around £85 million.

The Netherlands international has given the green light to a five-year contract at the Etihad, but Liverpool must first secure a replacement before the deal can move into its final stages.

Manchester City have already opened talks with Liverpool, while Gakpo's preference for a move to the reigning Premier League champions has strengthened City's position.

The Gakpo Transfer Domino

The situation now revolves around one key condition: Liverpool need another winger through the door before allowing Gakpo to leave.

Liverpool have already agreed a major deal for Bradley Barcola, with the PSG winger set to arrive for a package reported at up to £123 million. However, the Reds are also looking at further attacking options before sanctioning Gakpo's departure.

Why Man City Want Gakpo

City's pursuit comes after significant changes to their wide options.

The club have allowed Sávio and Omar Marmoush to join Tottenham, while Jack Grealish is attracting interest from elsewhere. Those departures have left manager Enzo Maresca looking for another natural wide attacker.

Gakpo would give City versatility across the forward line. The 27-year-old can operate from the left but is also capable of playing centrally, offering another option in a squad that has undergone considerable attacking changes this summer.

City's need became particularly obvious in their recent win over Crystal Palace, when they did not have a natural winger on the substitutes' bench.

Gakpo Has Given City the Green Light

The biggest development is that Gakpo is reportedly ready to make the move.

According to recent reporting, the Dutchman has agreed personal terms with City, leaving negotiations between the clubs as the principal obstacle.

The proposed transfer would reportedly cost £85 million, a substantial fee for a player Liverpool signed from PSV in 2023.

Gakpo has enjoyed an important spell at Anfield, but the arrival of Barcola has created additional competition for places on the left side of Liverpool's attack.

Liverpool's Replacement Is the Key

This is where the deal becomes particularly interesting.

Liverpool are not simply deciding whether to sell Gakpo. They need to make sure their attacking depth remains strong after his departure.

The Reds have already added Barcola and Victor Munoz, but they are also exploring another winger, with Ismaïla Sarr and Yankuba Minteh among the names linked with a move.

The timing is crucial because the transfer window is rapidly approaching its deadline.

Why the £85m Fee Matters

An £85m sale would give Liverpool significant financial flexibility after their huge investment in Barcola.

It would also allow the club to reshape an attack that has already changed dramatically following Mohamed Salah's departure and Hugo Ekitike's injury. Liverpool have therefore been working to maintain depth despite the possibility of another major exit.

For City, meanwhile, the fee would represent a significant investment in a player they believe can immediately strengthen their attacking options.

What Happens Next?

The next move depends largely on Liverpool.

Gakpo wants Manchester City, City are pushing for the transfer and an £85m package is being discussed. But Liverpool's willingness to complete the deal is tied to finding a replacement winger.

That makes the final days of the window potentially decisive.

If Liverpool secure their replacement, Gakpo could be given the green light to travel for his City medical. If they fail to do so, the proposed £85m switch could remain on hold despite the player's preference for the move.